Abstract: A method comprises identifying connected anatomical structures in stored images of a patient anatomy and generating a plurality of cylindrical linkage elements representing the connected anatomical structures. The method also comprises receiving tracking data corresponding to a point on an instrument positioned within at least one of the connected anatomical structures; and matching the point on the instrument to one of the plurality of cylindrical linkage elements.

Abstract: Navigation and tissue capture systems and methods for navigation to and/or capture of selected tissue using the innate electrical activity of the selected tissue and/or other tissue are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to navigate to the left atrial appendage and capture/control the appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. The use of innate electrical activity for navigating devices may be used in connection with other tissues and/or areas of the body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for precisely perceiving an indoor activity. The method may include: receiving a vibration signal on a floor by using multiple vibration sensors disposed according to a preset rule; and determining a location of a vibration source according to a phase difference of a vibration signal of the same vibration source in different vibration sensors. The monitoring performed on the indoor activity in the present invention can be performed without disturbing the monitored person, and can resolve the concern about leakage of privacy of the monitored person.

Abstract: A patient monitor is disclosed for detecting patient movement or abnormal breathing. Images of a patient are obtained by a stereoscopic camera. These images are then processed by a 3D position determination module which determines measurements indicative of positions of at least part of a patient. The obtained measurements are then passed to a model generation module which generates a breathing model of the variation in position of the at least part of a patient during a breathing cycle. Subsequently abnormal breathing or patient movement can be detected by processing further images obtained by the stereoscopic camera to determine more measurements indicative of positions of at least part of a patient. These measurements are then compared with a stored breathing model by a comparison module.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring a diabetes-management system through the use of a model that predicts or estimates future dynamic states of glucose and insulin from variables such as insulin delivery or exogenous glucose appearance as well as inherent physiological parameters. The model predictive estimator can be used as an insulin bolus advisor to give an apriori estimate of postprandial glucose for a given insulin delivery profile administered with a known meal to optimize insulin delivery; as a supervisor to monitor the operation of the diabetes-management system; and as a model predictive controller to optimize the automated delivery of insulin into a user's body to achieve a desired blood glucose profile or concentration. Open loop, closed-loop, and semi-closed loop embodiments of the invention utilize a mathematical metabolic model that includes a Minimal Model, a Pump Delivery to Plasma Insulin Model, and a Meal Appearance Rate Model.

Abstract: Example disposable biosensor devices having an activity sensor are disclosed. One example device includes a disposable biosensor that has a first electrode having a distal end to be inserted into a subcutaneous layer beneath a person's skin, the first electrode having a reactive material disposed on the distal end, and a second electrode. The disposable biosensor device also includes an activity sensor that can be activated upon an activity by the person, the activity sensor for detecting the activity and providing data about the activity. The disposable biosensor also includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting data obtained from the first or second electrode and the activity sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems, and methods wherein pre-event and post-event analyte concentration readings associated with an event are collected and processed to determine a numerical delta. The numerical delta may be displayed on a visual display to aid in a ready determination of the affect that the event (alone or in combination with medication and/or insulin dosages) had on the analyte concentration levels. Medication and/or insulin dosages may be displayed alongside the numerical delta to gauge immediate relationships between numerical delta, dosage, and/or an associated event. Apparatus and systems for calculating and displaying the numerical delta are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

Abstract: A blood separation device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the blood separation device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the blood separation device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The blood separation device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The blood separation device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the blood separation device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip device and compatible meter or processor for determining the amount of an analyte in a liquid sample received from a subject. The device may include: a substrate having a liquid sampling end and an electrical contact end; a circuit disposed in communication with the substrate; a reaction area formed at the liquid sampling end of the substrate; and a lancet having a pointed end and an opposite end, whereby the opposite end of the lancet is disposed in communication with the substrate and located at the reaction area. The device may also include an interface area that may be separate or integrated as part the reaction area (or the reaction area may be integrated with interaction area).

Abstract: System and method that identify atypical behavior of a user. One embodiment of the system includes an eye tracker to perform tracking of a user's gaze while viewing items, an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera to take thermal measurements of a region of interest on the face (THROI) of the user, and a computer. The computer generates feature values based on THROI and the tracking, and utilizes a model to identify atypical behavior of the user based on the feature values. The model may be trained based on previous tracking and previous THROI of the user, taken while viewing other items.

Abstract: A mobile detection appliance and a method for detecting and evaluating a measuring signal that is indicative of the breathing of a sleeping person are used in connection with the observation of sleep-related breathing disorders. Instruments for detecting signals that are indicative of the breathing of a patient are also used. Solutions that enable an especially reliable examination in terms of the occurrence of sleep-related sleeping disorders, especially in the usual surroundings of the person concerned, are provided. The mobile detection appliance includes a sensor device for detecting a nasal flow signal that is indicative of a nasal respiratory gas flow, and/or a respiratory flow signal that is indicative of an oral respiratory gas flow, in addition to an electronic data processing unit that includes a memory device and processes the respiratory flow signals that are indicative of the temporal course of the nasal and oral respiration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive system with diagnostic and treatment capacities that use a unified code that is intrinsic to physiological brain function. In an embodiment of the present invention, an approach to the treatment of disorders that supplements existing diagnostic and treatment methods with robust quantitative data analysis are presented. This is achieved by a unification of cognitive and neural phenomena known as the Fundamental Code Unit (FCU), representing identifiable patterns of brain activity at the submolecular, molecular, and cellular levels (intra-brain communications), as well as their manifestations in thought and language (inter-brain communications).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the efficacy of a drug by diagnosing cardiovascular health in a patient by monitoring changes in skin redness levels, which is associated with perfusion and ability of circulatory system to adapt to physical exertion. Color detectors including colorimeters and spectrophotometers may be used to monitor and quantify skin color. Wet run solutions such as acetylcholine solutions may be applied to the skin area being monitored. Skin redness can be monitored during the course of exercise or a stress test, as well as during recovery. Wearable color detector devices can be worn by patients during exercise.

Abstract: A personal information system is provided. The system may include a portable information device having a housing including a top surface defined at least partially by a display, a bottom surface configured with a central region in which an optical sensor, electrical connector, and data connector are positioned, the housing enclosing an internal volume in which a processor is provided, the top surface and bottom surface being coupled by a perimeter side edge extending therebetween, and a mounting structure formed at least partially around the perimeter side edge of the housing. The system may further include a frame, which may be connected to a band, the frame surrounding a void and configured to receive the mounting structure, the frame and mounting structure being releasably securable via a tongue and groove connection. The system may further comprise a dock to which the information device may be connected.

Abstract: Modular physiological sensors that are physically and/or electrically configured to share a measurement site for the comfort of the patient and/or to ensure proper operation of the sensors without interference from the other sensors. The modular aspect is realized by providing outer housing shapes that generally conform to other physiological sensors; mounting areas for attachment of one sensor to another sensor; providing release liners on the overlapping sensor attachment areas; and/or providing notches, tabs or other mechanical features that provide for the proper placement and interaction of the sensors.

Abstract: An adhesive wearable device includes a cover assembly, a sensor assembly and an electronic module. The cover assembly includes a top cover. The top cover defines an accommodating chamber and a plurality of exhaust holes. The sensor assembly includes a sensor board, and an adhesive pad mounted under the sensor board. The sensor board defines a plurality of through-holes. A bottom surface of the sensor board is equipped with a plurality of sensor units. The adhesive pad defines an opening corresponding to the sensor units, a plurality of perforations and guiding channels extending radially from the opening to the perforations. The electronic module is disposed on and is electrically connected with the sensor board. The cover assembly covers up the sensor assembly and the electronic module. The exhaust holes are communicated with the opening by virtue of the accommodating chamber, the through-holes, the perforations and the guiding channels.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for obtaining heart rate by obtaining apical and non-apical heart rate datum using first and second heart rate monitoring devices. The apical and non-apical heart rate data are input into a heart rate verification module (HRVM) that includes a number of programming instructions for effecting the invention. An apical heart rate measure and non-apical heart rate measure are calculated in the HRVM, and an acceptable heart rate range is generated using the apical heart rate measure. Whether the non-apical heart rate measure is a reliable measure of a true heart rate is identified by determining whether the non-apical heart rate measure falls within or outside the acceptable heart rate range. A split display screen of the HRVM displays the apical heart rate measure, non-apical heart rate measure, and information identifying whether the non-apical heart rate measure falls within or outside the acceptable heart rate range.

Abstract: A biometric authentication apparatus and method are provided. The biometric authentication apparatus may obtain at least two types of biosignals, extract a same type of physiological features from each of the biosignals, and determine whether the biosignals are generated from a same living body based on the extracted same type of physiological features.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for classifying a condition of an entity that includes a conductive medium having multiple conductive paths, using a pattern recognition strategy to classify a signature constructed from impedance-interrogation measurements and optionally including inputs from other informative sources which may be external to the system.

Abstract: A method for a CT scan of a body part, wherein a marker is positioned on the body part. The method comprises: positioning a marker on the body part; performing a scout scan of the area which contains the body part, to acquire a scout image; detecting the marker in the scout image to acquire position information of the marker; and using the position information to navigate the CT scan.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an apparatus includes a reference calculator, a peak calculator, a coefficient calculator, and a calibrator. The reference calculator is configured to calculate, as a first value, a most frequent electrical signal level from a first set of electrical signal levels output from the respective pixels of a detector for radiation. The peak calculator is configured to calculate, as a second value, a peak level of radiation energy of a characteristic X-ray, based on a relation between energy and intensity of radiation obtained from the first set. The coefficient calculator is configured to calculate a coefficient by dividing a difference between the first and second values by the peak level. The calibrator is configured to multiply an electrical signal level of each pixel by the coefficient and add the first value to the multiplication to calibrate a relation between detection output and incident radiation of the detector.

Abstract: A computer controlled robot system for positioning a patient for radiation therapy or other medical procedures and the like. The robot is mounted at the top of a vertical shaft extending from the treatment room floor and includes horizontal arms arranged to maximize the available work envelope and eliminate “dead spots” in the envelope that the robot cannot reach. A double redundant coupling system for coupling devices to the robot is provided. A vision based docking system is employed for automatically coupling devices to the robot. Various enhanced safety features are provided, including device specific collision avoidance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to positioning guidance for image acquisition. In order to facilitate positioning of a patient for medical image acquisition, a guiding system (14) is provided. The system comprises a patient detecting device (22) and a patient position prescribing device (24). The patient detecting device is configured to detect an anatomy of interest (36) of a patient for image acquisition and to detect current spatial information of the anatomy of interest. The patient position prescribing device is configured to provide an initial target position (40) for the detected anatomy of interest, wherein the initial target position is provided as a reference for the image acquisition. The patient position prescribing device is further configured to register the initial target position with the current spatial information, and to determine an adapted target position (42) by adapting the initial target position based inter alia on the current spatial information.

Abstract: A radiological imaging device including a gantry suitable to perform the radiological imaging. The gantry includes a source suitable to emit radiation and a detector suitable to receive the radiation. The radiological imaging device further includes a control station suitable to control the functioning of the source and the detector. Also, the radiological imaging device includes an articulated arm suitable to move the gantry in relation to the control station to define various configurations. These configurations include an operating configuration wherein the gantry is distanced from the control station and a rest configuration wherein the gantry is alongside the control station limiting the overall dimensions of the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an image processing device including: a scattered radiation correction data acquisition section that acquires scattered radiation correction data as a result of radiation being irradiated onto a radiographic imaging device that images a radiographic image; a pixel region acquisition section that acquires information indicating a size of an effective pixel region of the radiographic imaging device; an exposure range acquisition section that acquires information indicating an imaging exposure range of radiation for imaging an imaging subject with the radiographic imaging device; an image data acquisition section that acquires image data as a result of imaging a radiographic image of the imaging subject; and a correction section that corrects the image data acquired by the image data acquisition section using the scattered radiation correction data, in a case in which the imaging exposure range includes an area outside of the effective pixel region.

Abstract: A method for identifying a target anatomy by use of a device having an ultrasound transducer. Using the ultrasound transducer, a portion of a patient's anatomy is scanned during a scanning process. A voltage trace of the patient's anatomy is determined and compared to a predetermined trace. If the voltage trace of the patient's anatomy matches the predetermined trace, a notification may be output.

Abstract: A probe for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment includes a cable, a cable outer periphery holder, and a depressed cone shape component. The cable outer periphery holder includes a deformable convex cone shape portion and a supporting surface that holds an outer peripheral of the cable. The depressed cone shape component has a depressed cone shape portion and fits the convex cone shape portion. The cable outer periphery holder has a water proof structure configured to prevent invasion of liquid from a gap formed between the outer periphery of the cable and the supporting surface. The water proof structure is configured to have the convex cone shape portion and the depressed cone shape component to fit so as to deform the convex cone shape portion. The deformation forms a reduced diameter portion to eliminate the gap, the reduced diameter portion having a diameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of a protective cover set for a medical probe are described herein, which may include an elongate protective cover having two or more fastening elements, with at least one fastening element at a point along the length of the protective cover. Embodiments may be configured to fit within a removable outer wrapper.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a display, an actuator, a user interface, and a processing circuit. The actuator is configured to control at least one of a position or an orientation of the display. The user interface is configured to receive a user input. The processing circuit is configured to cause the actuator to adjust the at least one of the position or orientation of the display based on the user input.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, the catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer mounted to a pivot mechanism. A coil provides a pivot force to the transducer. A magnet is attached to the transducer and is receptive of a torque applied by a magnetic field produced by energizing of the coil. A driving mechanism receives an impact from the pivot member and causes the pivot mechanism to rotate about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A method for creating a transmural lesion in tissue includes positioning a distal portion of a catheter near the tissue, where an ultrasound transducer is attached to the distal portion and is operatively coupled to a console and processor. The tissue is imaged by energizing the ultrasound transducer at a first power level to produce an ultrasound beam, where the imaging determines a thickness of the tissue, and a gap distance between the ultrasound transducer and the tissue. The tissue is ablated by energizing the ultrasound transducer at a second power level to produce the ultrasound beam. Energy delivered to the tissue during the ablating is controlled, using the processor, where the processor adjusts a speed of the ultrasound beam moving across the tissue based on the thickness and gap distance, to create the transmural lesion.

Abstract: A semen collection device includes a core member, a mounting unit, and a position sensing module. The core member defines an insertion space having an inlet at an end. The mounting unit includes a main body having a main portion and a receiving portion extending from an end of the main portion, a cover detachably installed on the receiving portion. The cover and the receiving portion cooperatively define a cylindrical chamber for fixedly receiving the core member, and further define an opening communicating with the chamber for exposing the end of core member having the inlet. The position sensing module is located in the main portion substantially close to the opening and configured to detect a variation of amplitude and frequency of a position of the core member.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes an outer shaft defining a bore, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft, a pouch detachably coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft, and a pouch retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the pouch at the distal end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: When processing bone tissue, the work site is often out of alignment with the insertion path of a tool device. A tool device (1) is provided with an endoscope (2), through the working channel (2.1) of which a guiding part (3) and a tool part (5) guided in this can be moved with their distal ends to a distal working area. The tool part (5) has a tool shaft (5.1) with a rotating tool (5.3). In the tool device there is a secure connection between the endoscope and the guiding part, during the task, and, this connection can be established in a simple manner prior to the beginning of the task and it can also be released again in a simple manner after the task ends. The guiding part (3) is able to be connected rigidly with the endoscope (2) axially.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes a delivery assembly, an anchor member carried by the delivery assembly, and a suture attached to the anchoring member. A plug member can be disposed in the delivery assembly and attached to suture such that the plug member. The plug member includes a plug body, a pair of ridges that project from the plug body, and a select location disposed between the pair of ridges. The plug member configured to, in response to a force applied to the select location, transition from an insertion configuration, whereby the plug member is elongate along an insertion direction, into a collapsed configuration, whereby the plug member is collapsed along the insertion direction.

Abstract: A joint balancing insert with sensors and an actuated mechanism is disclosed. The joint balancing insert is used to balance a joint during arthroplasty surgery, as the sensors provide force, position and angular data relating to the movement of the joint, while the actuated mechanism allows for highly accurate and dynamic adjustments of the joint based on the data from the sensors. Various configurations of actuated mechanisms and sensors may be implemented in the insert to provide for manual or real time control of the insert, and customized interfaces are provided for visualized feedback of adjustments. Sensor data may also be collected and compared with expected or preferred data sets to provide adjustment recommendations and achieve better outcomes based on historical data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a heart are disclosed. The device includes at least one radially expandable tissue-engaging element, an elongate member (e.g., suture) coupled to the expandable element, and a locking mechanism (e.g., locking clip, suture knot). The expandable element may be anchored to heart tissue within the heart, such as in the left ventricle, with the elongate member extending from the expandable element and across a heart chamber to a second location such as the heart apex where the elongate member is held by the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A port closure device includes a pair of jaws that may move repeatably between open and closed positions and repeatably pass a needle therebetween. The jaws are generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device in the closed position and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the open position. The device further includes a jaw control rod for controlling movement of the jaws and a needle control rod for controlling the passing of the needle between the two jaws.

Abstract: An assembly for joining tissue portions is provided and includes an anvil assembly and a body portion juxtaposed with respect to one another along a shaft and arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another; and an applicator disposed between the body portion and anvil assembly and configured for retaining a wound treatment material therein. The applicator has channels arranged for dispensing the wound treatment material therefrom onto an interface between the tissue portions. A method of joining the tissue portions is also provided and includes the steps of dispensing the wound treatment material from the applicator so as to distribute wound treatment material onto an interface between a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion; and approximating the anvil assembly and the body portion to one another so that the first and second tissue portions are in contact with one another.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical end effector includes a cartridge support member that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The surgical instrument further includes a longitudinally movable firing beam that extends through the articulation joint and is selectively axially movable from a starting position to an ending position within the surgical end effector. A firing beam locking assembly comprising a biasing member is operably supported on the articulation joint and is configured to apply a biasing motion to the firing beam to bias the firing beam into a locked position wherein the firing beam is prevented from moving from the starting to the ending position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge is operably supported in the cartridge support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip includes a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of a shaft, wherein the clip assembly includes a capsule releasably coupled to the shaft, clip arms slidably received within the capsule and cooperating with the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly and a yoke slidably received within the capsule, the yoke including proximal and distal portions releasably and rotatably connected to one another via a first control wire, a distal end of the distal portion being connected to proximal ends of the clip arms. A second control wire extends from the handle assembly and is coupled to a proximal end of the second portion to move the clip assembly between open and closed configurations.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil half-section having a distal end and a longitudinal axis; a cartridge receiving half-section having a distal end and operatively couplable with the anvil half-section such that the distal ends of the half-sections are in juxtaposed relation; and a deflection control system operatively engaged with and reinforcing the distal end of the anvil half-section when a force is applied to the distal end of the anvil half-section in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An anastomosis device includes magnets coupled to a wire capable of changing shape from a straight wire into a coil when deployed within a body. The coil exerts compressive force upon layers of tissue caught between loops of the coil. The compressive force is enhanced by attractive forces between magnets coupled with adjacent loops of the coil and causes the coil to cut through the tissue layers, creating an anastomosis. One end of the wire is preferably provided with a connecting member, such as a screw or a nut, for connecting with a delivery device.

Abstract: An anvil assembly delivery system includes an anvil assembly having a center rod and an anvil head assembly pivotally secured to the center rod a flexible tube having a first end configured for oral insertion into a patient and a second end engaged with the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture connected to the head assembly positioned to extend from the anvil assembly in a direction opposite to the flexible tube. The anvil assembly delivery system also includes a spacer suture tube positioned adjacent the anvil head assembly and defining a suture channel, which is supported on the retrieval suture and is dimensioned to prevent the retrieval suture from becoming trapped in the staple line of a stapling device. In an embodiment, the spacer is a suture tube defining a suture channel which receives the retrieval suture.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct. In one embodiment, an indwelling catheter can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter can include first and second restrictors each configured to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and thus to restrict fluid flow within the vein when the restrictors are activated. The restrictors can each be configured to move between an activated configuration, in which the restrictor occludes the vein, and a relaxed configuration, in which the restrictor does not occlude the vein. The catheter can include a pump, such as an axial motor pump, configured to pump fluid through the catheter.

Abstract: An aortic occlusion device includes a catheter and a balloon mounted along the catheter, wherein the balloon is a narrow profile balloon. The narrow profile balloon comprises an anchored end fixed to the catheter, a movable end distal to the fixed end, a wall extending between the anchored end and the movable end, an inflatable tube located proximate along the wall and circumscribing the wall, and at least one tension wire attached to the movable end and extending through the catheter such that the at least one tension wire is accessible to move the movable end of the balloon towards the anchored end when the catheter is positioned in the aorta.

Abstract: A tissue clip for use in electrosurgical procedures includes an arm having a first electrode formed thereon. The tissue clip also includes a body pivotally coupled to the arm. The body includes a power source and a second electrode. The arm is moveable from a first position relative to the body for approximating tissue and a second position closer to the body for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A cutting burr that includes a pair of axially spaced diamond-shaped portions designed to be keyed into a spindle of a locking mechanism of a high speed surgical drilling instrument and adapted to fit into a single pawl thereof to lock said cutting burr in place so as to prevent axial movement thereof and provide concentric rotation of said cutting burr without any wobbling. The orientation of both portions may be identical with respect to a center plan and diamond shape in the portion at the proximal end of the shank of the cutting tool may be larger than the intermediately located diamond shape of the other portion. The apexes of the facets of the six-sided diamond shape may be disposed below the surface of the shank of the cutting burr.